Second Sunday after Epiphany
January 18, 2026 | 10:00am
Rev. Mark Poyner, Pastor | Larry J. Carey, Director of Music
Thought for Worship
In a world shaped by anxiety, division, and restless striving, Jesus still turns toward us and says, “Follow me.” Peace is not found in escaping the world, but in walking with the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. As we follow Christ together, we discover that true peace is not something we create—but a gift we receive and share.
GATHERING
Welcome
Prelude
Call to Worship
Votum
Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Amen
Opening Statement
Look! The Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.
We welcome the anointed one, who makes us whole.
Look! God’s Chosen One, who calls us each by name.
We greet the Messiah, who summons us to follow.
Come and see-the Lord is here.
Our hearts are made glad by God’s grace! Praise the Lord!
*Hymn of Praise Great Is Thy Faithfulness
Call to Confession
Brothers and sisters in Christ, the Scriptures remind us that if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, God, who is faithful and just, will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Trusting in God’s mercy, let us come before Him in humility and faith, and confess our sins. Let us pray:
Prayer of Confession
Baptizing God, by water and the Spirit you anoint disciples and witnesses, prophets and teachers, to make your reign known throughout the earth. But we deny your claim on our lives and pretend we have no part in proclaiming the good news. You call us to testify to your grace. We fall silent. You call us to declare your truth. We shrink from speaking out. You call us to point others to Christ. We fade into the crowd and hope others will take the lead. Forgive us Lord. Send your spirit upon us, and reclaim your work so that our words and deeds might glorify you. This we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far he removes our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:8, 10-12
The Law of God
Hear what our Lord Jesus Christ says: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
Amen.
*Gloria Patri
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
*Commitment to Peace Keeping and Peace Seeking
One: May the peace of Christ be with you!
All: And also with you!
Share a sign of peace with one another. After sharing the peace, let us all sing together:
Together, by grace, we witness and work, remembering Jesus, in whom we grow strong. Together we serve in Spirit and truth, remembering love is the strength of our song.
We Listen to God’s Word
Prayer for Illumination
Open our ears to hear what we might rather not hear. Open our eyes to see what we might prefer not to see. Open our hearts to be moved as you are moved. By your Holy Spirit, help us recognize your voice in these Scriptures— the voice that does not turn away from distress, but enters into it. Speak to us now. Change us by what we hear. Through Christ, the Word made flesh, who fled as a refugee and calls us to follow. Amen.
Old Testament Reading Isaiah 49: 1-7
*Hymn O Jesus I have Promised
Gospel Lesson John 1: 29-42
Sermon: “Follow Me to Peace” | Rev. Poyner
*Affirmation of Faith (Apostles’ Creed)
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; He descended to hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there He will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Offering
Blessing on the Offering ...Your kingdom may come on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus 'name we pray, Amen.
*Doxology Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise him all creatures here below;
Praise him above ye heavenly hosts; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen!
Prayer of Dedication
Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession (ending with the Lord’s Prayer)
Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory forever. Amen.
SENDING
*Hymn Will You Come and Follow Me
Benediction
Postlude
DEAR FRIENDS
Welcome to worship here at Peapack Reformed Church! If you are visiting with us, welcome! If you are a member, welcome back! Our mission is to be a congregation called by God, inspired by the Holy Spirit, and committed to being the very presence of Jesus Christ in the world. This mission is the catalyst for all that we do, and is our aim for who we want to be.
If you are visiting with us via Facebook Live and would like more information about our church, send us a message on Facebook or email office@peapackreformed.org and we will be in touch with you. Even under these odd and anxious circumstances, we would love to be your church home. Our virtual doors are always open wide and our hearts are always ready to welcome new faces into our fellowship.
FOOD PANTRY NEWS
Many thanks for all those who have shared their abundance with neighbors in need.
Our church refrigerators have plenty of space to hold even more!
Please consider making a weekly donation of eggs or milk to the P-G Food Pantry.
Peapack Reformed Church is a congregation called by God, empowered by the Holy Spirit and committed to being the very presence of Jesus Christ in the world.
CALLED • EMPOWERED • COMMITTED